Original US Trench Knife 1918?

[fpicoli]

Hi,

i would like the opinion of my fellow forum collectors about this 1918 Trench Knife.
Sorry, but i do not have better pictures.

I know that the scabbard is not original.
What i would like is to know if it´s a original LF&C Knife or is there any red flag?!?

regards

Fábio

[relicz]

Looks legit, but the finish has most certainly been scrubbed or polished and messed with. Looks like it was scrubbed then an attempt made at restoring the chemical blackening as there is evidence of this on what would be the removed edge of the guard (IMO). As I'm sure you are aware the guard has been cut so it lays flat. The guard alteration is seen in period pieces.

[fpicoli]

I don´t know why someone would like to polish it.
Its just like "washing out the history off" the object!
The patina is a desirable thing, because it helps to identify the originals a point out the fakes!
Is there any reason to do that? (cut down the guard to become flat?)

[gel65]

Looks fine to me other than being wiped down looks great fits the scabbard well for it be repro

[relicz]

The guards were occasionally cut in the field by the soldiers using them so they would not dig into their flesh when worn or so they would fit into the replacement leather sheaths.

An all original example from my collection:

[fpicoli]

Thanks, John!